Airport board backs April Flying Frog race and Frog Fest to benefit veterans nonprofit

Marlene Myers, the airport’s business manager, told the Beaufort County airport board that the Flying Frog 5K/10K and a new Frog Fest are scheduled for April 18 at Frogmore International and that the event will benefit Operation Patriot’s FOB. "So this year... I've been able to raise $7,400 in sponsorship money," Myers said as she outlined prior participation and sponsorship history and a plan to add a 10K and music festival to broaden community appeal.

The event will combine a competitive run and a daytime festival: registration closes at 7 a.m., the race starts at 8 a.m. and is expected to finish by about 9:30 a.m., followed by Frog Fest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Myers said. She told the board the runway will be closed during the run portion and that the Federal Aviation Administration has been notified.

Jimmy Banton, who identified himself as executive director of Operation Patriot’s FOB, described the nonprofit’s mission of supporting veterans, active service members, first responders and their families through free outdoor programming. "We've had over 45,000 visits to the fob, and we've had 0 suicides from anyone who's gone there," Banton said, framing the partnership as a way for the airport to support local veterans services.

Board members praised the initiative and discussed modest operational impacts. A board member asked how airport operations would be affected; Myers confirmed the runway closure is limited to the run portion and that normal operations resume after the event. Organizers said they are recruiting bands and food trucks and encouraged community participation and sponsorship.

The board did not take formal action on the event during the meeting; staff said registration details are available at runsignup.com and that organizers will return with any follow-up requests as needed.